Srinagar: The BJP and the PDP on Tuesday lashed out at ruling National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq for his alleged derogatory remarks against the people of Kashmir.
BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur came down heavily on Sadiq for claiming, while referring to levels of poverty in Kashmir before NC founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah came to power, that an entire village used to have only one pair of trousers to wear.
Thakur termed the remarks “deeply disrespectful and insulting” to the people of Kashmir, saying political differences could never justify making derogatory references to the dignity, culture and history of an entire society.
“Tanvir Sadiq should mind his words. You are not merely making a political statement – you are insulting the people of Kashmir and their heritage. Such disrespect will not be tolerated,” Thakur said.
He questioned whether the NC spokesman was aware of Kashmir’s centuries-old identity as a land of seers, scholars and spiritual traditions.
Thakur demanded Sadiq withdraw his remarks and tender a public apology to the people of Kashmir.
The PDP also demanded an apology from Sadiq for his utterances.
“Will National Conference spokesperson tender an unconditional apology for the derogatory remarks against Kashmiris?” the party posted on its X handle.
Sadiq, while taking to reporters on the 44th death anniversary of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, said there was abject poverty in Kashmir at the time of Independence. He said it was Abdullah who lifted Kashmir out of poverty through some landmark steps.